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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Why is the Bible called holy when it contains so much greed, lust, and violence? And why does the Bible call for people to be holy when God allows so much evil in the world? – H.B.

A: The Bible tells the truth about mankind, the devil, and sin that prevails. The Bible also tells the truth about God, who is holy.

The Bible teaches that we exchange the truth of God for the devil’s lies. The Bible also tells about salvation from sin – the redemption of the human heart – provided by the Savior of the world. Jesus Christ came to show us the way to salvation.

When people turn from sin to receive Christ as Savior and Lord, He gives us new life. He frees us from the chains that bind us. Christians are not to be conformed to the world physically. These bodies of ours are intended to be temples of the Spirit of God.

Our dress, our posture, our actions, should all be for the honor and glory of Christ. We are to be “holy” in the deepest sense of the word. God’s purpose for us is that we ought to be conformed to the image of His Son. The world may exert its pressure to deform us, but we are told, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, NKJV). The Bible also tells us, “Joyful are those who obey [God’s] laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths” (Psalm 119:2–3 NLT).

The devil is a master at making us question God and His Word, but Christ strengthens us to be obedient to Him in all things and imparts to us His great and everlasting love.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.